The Battle of Britain
Selina, Adna, Leena, Sarah
When did this battle occur?
July-September 1940
Who?
Adolf Hitler
Created the war because he thought Luftwaffe needed to establish superiority over the RAF
Herman Goering
The head of the German air force Luftwaffe and was instructed to defeat the Royal Air Force
What?
- Since this was primarily a battle fought in the air both countries had fairly strong air forces, but Britain had the upper-hand because the British had radars, a tool used to detect when enemy planes were near.
- When the battle began, Luftwaffe focused on attacking the English shipping channels, coastal towns and defenses. Goering then concentrated on attacking the RAF, airfields and radar bases but then grew frustrated when his attacks were still being fought off by strong British planes.
- Under Hitler's orders, the Luftwaffe switched tactics and focused on attacking and destroying major cities including London.
- Hitler postpones his plans on invasion for Britain on September 17th when it became apparent that the Luftwaffe didn't obtain the upper-hand in the battle.
Number of aircraft's shot down in the Battle of Britain
- Royal Air Force: 1,023
- Luftwaffe: 1,887
Germany bombs British coastal areas
Germany bombs London
Hitler postpones his plans
Where?
This was an air battle primarily above Southern England
Why?
Historical Significance
Fought just by air forces (Luftwaffe and RAF)
Considered Hitler’s first failures in WWll
Luftwaffe failed overpower in RAF/ take over Britain
Canada's Contribution/ Role
Troops left equipment in Dunkirk 1st Canadian Divison still had most of their stuff
July, Canadians served in spitfires and hurricane squadrons
No.1 fighter squadron: first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) unit to battle enemy planes (German Bombers) August 26th, 1990
Pearl Harbor (2001) - "The Battle of Britain"